Already in the history books by becoming the first Trinidad and Tobago representative at a Parapan American Games, Shanntol Ince added another chapter on Friday by bagging bronze in the women's 100 metres backstroke S9 event, at the Scotiabank Aquatics Center, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Not satisfied with her achievement, Ince claimed another medal on Saturday, the 16-year-old para swimmer securing bronze in the women's 100m freestyle S9.
T&T Paralympic Committee (TTPC) president Ken McKell described Ince's double strike as "an historic moment" for the local Paralympic movement.
"A milestone in our lives, and we plan to go from strength to strength with the support of all stakeholders who would have an interest in our community of persons with disabilities. TTPC is using sport to improve and enhance their lives. We certainly hope that it will create a greater awareness of the potential of persons with disabilities in sport."
The Parapan American Games, a multi-sport event for athletes in the entire western hemisphere with physical disabilities, is held every four years. In the previous three editions, there were no T&T representatives. And at the 4th Parapan American Games, in Guadalajara, Ince was the country's lone athlete. She did her compatriots proud, the two bronze medals earning T&T 12th spot on the medal table. Brazil finished first with 81 gold medals, 61 silver and 55 bronze, for a grand total of 197.
McKell, who travelled to Guadalajara as the T&T chef-de-mission, paid tribute to Ince.
"Her performance has certainly been inspiring," he told the Express, "and a true testament to the dedication and commitment of improving her life through sport."
On Friday, Ince touched the wall in one minute, 23.45 seconds to finish first in section one and third overall in the women's 100m backstroke S9. American Anna Johannes topped section two in 1:17.59 to grab gold, ahead of Brazilian Camille Cruz (1:21.88).
Ince returned to the pool on Saturday, topping section one in the 100m freestyle S9 in 1:13.28. The swim earned the T&T para athlete a second bronze. Gold and silver went to Johannes (1:09.02) and Cruz (1:11.10), respectively.
Earlier in the Games, Ince finished fourth in the women's 100m butterfly S9 (1:24.93), 50m freestyle S9 (34.33 seconds) and 400m freestyle S9 (5:39.48) events. She also competed in the 100m breaststroke SB8, copping fifth spot in 1:48.39.
Ince was accompanied to the Parapan American Games by McKell, Ralph "Linky" Yearwood (coach), June Durham (chaperone/massage therapist), and Deborah McKell (attaché). The Games ended yesterday.
McKell said Ince is expected to be on show next year on the biggest sporting stage for para athletes.
"All indications are that she will be representing Trinidad and Tobago at the London Paralympics 2012.
"There are other athletes," the TTPC president continued, "who are training. Carlos Greene in shot put, wheelchair racer Ricky Singh, and Dennis La Rose in table tennis--they will be attending qualifying events in early 2012 in a bid to qualify."
The late Rachael Marshall is the only T&T athlete to have earned precious metal at the Paralympics. At the 1984 Games, in New York, USA, she captured gold in the women's shot put L5 and javelin L5 events, as well as bronze in the women's 100m freestyle L6.
By Kwame Laurence
Source: www.trinidadexpress.com